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■ PHM.GGEE 
WASHIWGION PA 



My Valued Ruby 



POEMS 



BY 

PERRY HONCE McGEE 

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WASHINGTON, PENNSYLVANIA 

1920 
Copyright 1920. Perry Honce McGee 



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Perry Honce McGee 





Mrs. Ruby Montrosk McGee 



DEDICATION 



With love and hope, 

To bring the day foresighted, 

I dedicate this book to my race. 

— Perry Honce McGee 



CONTENTS 



Page 

A Blot on Love 33 

A Difference 56 

A Drooping Rose 26 

After de Toun Hall Supper 13 

A Frosty Morn 20 

A Genius 89 

A Lifelong Happiness 7 

All 47 

Always 47 

A Poet's Wife 19 

A Poet's Dark Day 51 

A Poet's Power 53 

A Photo 73 

A Poet's Pier 75 

A Poet's Thoughts 54 

A Question 29 

A Sailor's Fate 87 

A Shadow on the Beauty of Life 43 

A Smile 61 

A Song of a Broken Heart 50 

A Spark of Love 22 

At Eve 88 

A Thought We Should Have 89 

A Vision From the Fireside 78 

Beauty and Ugly 76 

Becker's Jealousy 26 

Breath of Love 46 

Cupid 88 

Creation 82 

Defense 2 

De Golden Cow 34 

Democracy 45 

Dream of Bygones 63 

Darling Edna May 85 

Easter Greeting 56 

Easter Roses 23 

Eight Noblemen 5 

E'er Januwah De 2 12 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 



Page 

Eve Dropper 69 

Eyes 23 

Faded Love 48 

F'ate and Time 12 

For a While 67 

For My Heart 89 

Ginger Bay Outing 10 

Good Fate 73 

Good Spirit 52 

Gray Eyes 36 

Gray Heads 31 

Happy and Sorrow 43 

Her Solemn Thoughts 31 

Here and There 84 

His Last Hour 70 

Hidden Thoughts 55 

Hearts That Are True 68 

Humin to De Air 83 

Idleness 42 

If I Dare 71 

In an All Old Rose 40 

In My Thoughts of You 83 

Inch by Inch 28 

Just an Irishman's Way 38 

Just Now ^ 72 

Just to Remind You 79 

Love Dream 57 

Love's Reflections 41 

Love's Precaution 3 

Life Plain as Day 65 

Lazy Mule 24 

Lieutenant Ruff 16 

Life's Pretty Way 86 

Memories 35 

Mildred and Marie 57 

Mother's Day 62 

Mr. Fink 30 

My Daily Prayer , 59 

My Dear Beloved Mother 70 

My Dearest Darling Ruby 84 

My Dream 87 

My Heavenly Thoughts 74 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 



Page 

My Likes 60 

My Little Girl 19 

My Love for You 68 

My Love 69 

My Ruby Montrose 76 

My Ruby Montrose 6 

My Ship of Thoughts 81 

My Thoughts of It 89 

My Thoughts of You 52 

My View 66 

My Wife 10 

My Will 39 

Nature 44 

Natural Born Colored Man 33 

Often Told 38 

Olegria 40 

One Sad Morn 65 

One's Next Best Friend 82 

One Sv^'eet Dream 85 

On Sunday Morn " 18 

On the Sunny Side of Life 4 

Picnic Day 36 

Ras Baylem's Speech 86 

Rough Road 53 

Round by Round 89 

Sadness 58 

She Said. Then He Said the Rest 88 

SiE Rankens and His Wife Lizz 15 

Sixty-One 77 

Spring's Easter Lily 80 

Springtime 74 

Summer Is Gone 42 

The Battle of Hearts 79 

The Bee and the Rose 55 

The Birds That Sing to Me 62 

The Blessing of God 77 

The Breath of a Rose 49 

The Convict 46 

The Death of Mrs. Wormsley 22 

The End of Life 50 

The Evils of Alcohol 8 

The Fading Roses 66 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 



Page 

The Little Toe Dancer 20 

The Parson's Resolution 17 

The Place Where Little Mary Lives 28 

The Pluck of a Poet 64 

The Star of Liberia 1 

The Shawl of Sin 44 

The Sinking Ship 80 

The Soul of a Bud 81 

The Sunshine of Yesterday 9 

The Thought of a Child 89 

The Thought of a Husband 59 

The Voice of a Rose 72 

The Wild Rose 49 

There Must Be 58 

Thorny Love 78 

Through the Mill 25 

Toast 18 

To All 60 

To Remind You 79 

True 88 

Truelet 27 

Unacquainted 61 

Violet and You 39 

What We Ought to Know 14 

What We Get 54 

Whene'er Conscience Speaks 63 

Welcome Spring 75 

Where the Sun Ne'er Kissed 48 

Your Eyes and My Eyes 32 

You Are 35 



My Valued Ruby 



THE STAR OF LIBERIA 

Oh ! my mighty love, for my people, friends, 

But there's a certain class of us that our minds doesn't 

blend, 
Though we've fouglit many a battle and it seems we've 

always won. 
But we'll be greater when the "Star of Liberia" shines like 

the sun. 
I have sat and dreamed and to come there's a brighter 

day, 
But if our race pride's weak, and we have no love, just 

when I'm afraid to say. 

You pattern after the white man in every way but one. 
And that's why the "Star of Liberia" cannot shine like 

the sun. 
We must learn to pull together, because animals know 

that much. 
For when we seesaw back and forth into our future it 

puts a clutch. 
This must be stopped or our defeat will be like the Huns, 
And it keeps the "Star of Liberia" from shining like the 

sun. 
I see a ship on the ocean at a distance of a thousand miles 
And it's flying a flag of a people that will be prominent 

afterwhile. 

There's a tiny bit of a star that's causing that flag to fly, 
But with a close observation it can be seen with the 

natural eye. 
We must love this flag above all things we've done. 
For it holds the "Star of Liberia" that's going to shine like 

the sun. 



My Valued Ruby 



This ship has good omen and a cloudy day there's none. 
Then why keep the "Star of Liberia" from shining like the 

sun. 
We know she's cruised the ocean for fifty years or more, 
But as soon as we pull together she will land on the 

American shores. 



DEFENSE 

Colored men stop your marriages 

To women of the other race. 

Quit breaking the hearts of our goodly women 

And bringing them a shameful face. 

Why are some of us thoughtless 

Upon things along this line. 

Why when you go out of this race to marry 

You leave women just as fine. 

Now colored men I'm pleading this case 

For our worthy colored girls 

And trying to stop this awful horror 

That's passing through this world. 

Where do you find other women 

That will be yoked along you're side, 

To help you sail life's rough ocean. 

No matter how rigid the tide. 

They go with you through thick and thin, 

Down on their knees upon kitchen floors. 

And in wash tubs they tirelessly bend 

Just to help climb the ladder of fame. 

Then could you discard an honest soul 

That another race may honor your name? 

Now God in heaven wrote 

This humble oration, 

That we may form a grand 

And noble nation. 



My Valued Ruby 



LOVE'S PRECAUTION 

Trespass not 

Upon two hearts that love, > 

Your penalty's imposed, 

By the Savior above. 

This tiny little link 

That connects two hearts. 

With the watchword. 

That no one should tear apart. 

Think some day 
It may be you. 
Then read this poem 
'Twill tell more true. 

It will explain my mind 
Just as I write. 
And the sorrow that hangs, 
O'er me tonight. 

I'm driven away from the one that held me 
The smooth love, on the roughest sea. 
Now this is a teaching 
To us one and all. 

That true love grows 
Summer, winter, and fall. 
Through sunshine and showers, 
In gardens of Mayflowers. 

And o'er the desert land 
No distance can break it. 
'Tis found as we make it. 
True love for ever, stands. 



My Valued Ruby 



ON THE SUNNY SIDE OF LIFE 

There's only one way 
That we're to abide 
Then the way to success, 
Is veiy wide 
On the sunny side of life. 

Each moment in the day 
We should wear a smile. 
It brings so-called good luck 
And it's really worth while 
On the sunny side of life. 

The roses that bloom. 

That scents the air 

No place they grow 

And look more fair 

Than on the sunny side of life. 

If we live right 

And omit all sin. 

Our days will be bright 

From the beginning to the end 

On the sunny side of life. 

Even all the joy, and happiness too, 
With God's heavenly blessings. 
For our deeds, kind and true, 
Is on the sunny side of life. 



My Valued Ruby 



EIGHT NOBLEMEN 

Above my bed 

Hangs eight noble heads, 

Vv'ith love, might and grace. 

They brought honor to their race. 

Dunbar could take you 
To a land of beauty; it seems 
And shine the light upon nature 
To let you read his poetical dreams. 

Douglass as a statesman 
Thronged the whole wide world. 
And always in our memory 
He'll shine just like a pearl. 

Attuck's patriotism 

For the land of the noble and free, 

God bless hiin on his way, 

And strengthen his mind with such decree. 

Taylor, the lovely musician. 
Rhythmically to you could bring 
The sweetness in his music 
Was like the bird that sings. 

Tanner showed his art. 

When fate painted his heart. 

He traveled in a whirl 

And works exhibited to the world. 

Dumas, 

The author, 

Showed his fame. 

And down the honor roll 

We should always find his name. 

Washington, the humble but famous Booker T. 

Had many ups and downs. 

Though hardship he never feared. 

And from the cruel world he gained a crown. 



6 My Valued Ruby 



MY RUBY MONTROSE 

Down in Illinois around among the boys 

I never had a chance to go to school, 

For there was my dear mother and little invalid brother 

And I was their support as a rule. 

But soon come the end to pass them on high 

There hung saddest memories to the old home was good- 
bye, 

Then with all my ups and downs, there's one true friend 
I found. 

While I sit a dreaming of the bygone days 

Then a hidden voice did swell, saying I'll teach you how 
to spell. 

For tliere's a tender meaning for each letter in my name. 

Chorus 
R — is for the right, I'll try to teach you my boy. 
U — means the union that our hearts will enjoy. 
B — is used in blotting sorrow's memory, too. 
Y — is that your yearning heart will always be true. 
M — is for the million times you wanted to go to school. 
O — shows how this old world treats when mother's lying 

cool. 
N — is for my natural love to you I plainly give. 
T — is just to teach us how to love and live. 
The placing of these letters tells how the story goes. 
And the only name I love and spell is my Ruby Montrose. 

All through life you'll be like a pearl to me. 

Just to have and hold you for my own; 

With tender love, so gi'eat, then our lives I will relate. 

And dream of you my dear when I'm alone. 

Nights I'll always pray that you may see the day 

When you won't be afraid to spell your name. 

We'll study night and day, this will help you on your way, 

And relieve your tender heart of its bashful pain. 

To me then came my trial and it seemed if heaven smiled 

On those dear sweet letters that spells her name. 



My Valued Ruby 



A LIFELONG HAPPINESS 

Time promised me 

Some day to unfold 

A lifelong happiness 

Bound with a goal. 

I'm patiently awaiting 

Along the way, 

Attentive as a child 

At its daily play. 

My heart ne'er chills 

From the long winter's cold. 

It's wanting that happiness 

Bound with a goal. 

At times I'm sad 

With nothing to say, 

I should be gay as a rose 

Of a bright summer's day. 

But looking for the story 

So sweet to be told 

Are you my little happiness 

Bound with a goal? 

If fate takes away 

This promise so dear, 

There'll be a chain 

Of my wasted years. 

Link by link 

To count and hold, 

Trying to find my happiness 

Bound with a goal. 



8 My Valued Ruby 



THE EVILS OF ALCOHOL 

Once more around and I'll go home, 

It's really a shame how I've learned to roam. 

Oh! but what's the use? I've got a good excuse 

That outnumber the bubbles in this glass. 

Ah, ah, ah, ah, drink up, boys, and do it fast, 

For with your old pal it may be the last. 

You wonder why I have this knife? 

Yes, I got it, got it just to kill my wife; 

It's the only thing for me to do, 

Since fate brings about that she's not true, 

Stop, oh, don't coax me, friends, 

You can see I'm near my end. 

Now you shoved me over that chair 

And I've seen the time you wouldn't dare; 

But that's when bloomed the rose of my life 

And I had the love of my sweet wife. 

Now think, it was stolen, by a dirty cur. 

And in my life it's put a blur. 

Yes, I'm the guy that lives next door. 

Where my crying babe sits on the floor. 

Wait; I'm going to that swell cafe. 

My wife's there, and lead astray. 

Ah ! this is your secret place to dine. 

And for me, 'twasn't hard to find. 

Why not let me meet your friend? 

He's beneath the notice of cultured men. 

Ah! that's the Italian that carried the note, 

And he would meet death if I could clutch his throat. 

Me no caree letter no time. 

Me com a dis a placa, drinka Italiana wine. 

Shut up, don't you dare to speak, 

You're part of the cause, you dirty sneak. 

Ah ! and here's the Jew that hauled your trunk, 

And the boat that brought him over really should have 

sunk. 
Oh ! Meister, vate, vate you speak to me rongs, 
I spyed in this yard an o' pair tongs. 



My Valued Ruby 



Who's that Chinaman? I guess he cooked the meal, 

And he will land in gloiy quick as I can grab this steel, 

Woo Long, Sing Lee, Fong Low, 

Well, old man, I'll spare your head. 

For in that language I don't know what you said. 

Me noee cookee disee placee, 

Me gotee laundry, washee lacee. 

Ask your friend to buy me a drink; 

Ah ! thanks old pal, but I called you a slink. 

What! is she crying, 

She's thinking of our lives, that's very trying. 

Oh ! now I know just what she sees 

A once happy husband and living good as you please. 

There's a painting in her memory, how I hated drink and 

gamble; 
And how I spent my evenings hopie, for I had no mind to 

ramble. 
Then along come you, another suited man. 
But she being weak, like the most of us, prosperity she 

couldn't stand. 
Then I took to this drug 
'Cause it eased the nerves in my head. 
And ever since I've wished that she and I both were dead. 
Ah! let go of my throat, don't let him, me boys. 
Let go of my throat, I tell you. 
Oh ! mercy. 

There's my little babe, her voice calls. 
But woman and liquor is the cause of it all. 



THE SUNSHINE OF YESTERDAY 

Where goeth the sunshine of beautiful yesterday. 

When breezes blew light and all nature was gay. 

Now the birds are mute and refuse to sing. 

But down twinkles the snow to make the sleigh bells ring 

I'll ask a simple question of you one and all. 

Where goeth the sunshine when the snow begins to fall? 



10 My Valued Ruby 



GINGER BAY OUTING 

Hush your mouth, don't say a word, 

Let me tell the good news I heard. 

There's going to be an outing soon 

Down where folks spend their honeymoon. 

Its given by the Dark Town club. 

And they serve chicken by the tub; 

Another thing their music's grand, 

Drums, piano, and old tin pans, 

Get your ticket and don't be late, 

Be at the landing prompt at eight. 

Listen! listen! what's all that noise 

Everybody's going to Ginger Bay. 

There's old Raz Jones with his slide trombone 

And you can hear him play it for miles away. 

Come on boy we'll have some time, 

There'll be lots of swell dancing. 

And they'll serve you wine. 

And if the boat begins to rock 

Keep right on dancing, if you lose your frock, 

Be careful what you do 

When you get a drink or two. 

And when the boat pulls into land 

Take your partner by the hand 

And waltz her off at Ginger Bay. 



MY WIFE 

My wife, oh ! my wife. 

Was taught that game of cooking 

Some time early in her life. 

Its just as easy 

For her to cook a good meal 

As it is for you to ride 

In an automobile. 

It seems that it's her pride 



My Valued Ruby H 



To fix good eats. 

Such as roast pork and candied sweet tatoes, 

And apple pies, she can't be beat. 

I can be so mad when I walk in, 

Lips all shot out, 

Hanging down on my chin, 

But the essence of that food 

Says why be thou so rude. 

Then henceforth and forever 

May thy grin. 

If you can keep from smiling 

When my wife makes apple pies. 

That's more than I can do. 

She only makes that kind 

That melts on the tongue 

And passes by the thorax so easy, 

Till it makes the pallet hum. 

Telling the epiglottis 

That it don't have to move 

Cause in this pie am plenty lard 

And sure am short and smooth. 

My Adam's apple never works 

When I go to swallow; 

All the muscles in my neck 

Never touch my collar. 

Then it reaches the bottom of my heart 

And sounds the tune of joy 

And kills that word O' Hunger 

When I'm penniless so often annoys. 

Now if you can keep from smiling 

When my wife makes apple pies 

That's more than I can do. 



12 My Valued Ruby 



E'ER JANUWAH DE 2 

E'er sense I's been bon things fo me goes powfuU wrong 

E'er Januwah de 2. 
I sells my con and lose a farm 

E'er Januwah de 2. 
Good old liggon I don't abuse but from me, it seems to 
oose 

E'er Januwah de 2. 
Now to drink is ganst my will, but luck fo me pulls don 
de hill 

E'er Januwah de 2. 
I puts my savins in my trunks, but things fo me just goes 
caflunk 

E'er Januwah de 2. 
An I married a dozen wives but dey seems to lose dey 
lives 

E'er Januwah de 2. 
Den ever year I have de flu and seems to me I'll break in 

tu 
Leaven my bons dah to click 
Wid dem awful rhuma ticks 

E'er Januwah de 2. 
De worsted sorrow I ebber had 
Is when mah swetark treats me bad 

E'er Januwah de 2. 



FATE AND TIME 

Fate taken away my world of goal 

Time sees that I grow old. 

Just these two words, which is time and fate, 

Where art thou love, that turned to hate? 



My Valued Ruby 13 



AFTER DE TOUN HALL SUPPER 

Lod ham mursy Mandy, yo mis it all 

When you let dat supper pass yo at de ole Toun Hall. 

Sah, they had one pison meal, 

Dat good ole broun possom an sweet taters, sush yo mouf ! 

Would upsit yo pallet an' tickel yo heels. 

An biscuit, hum, hum! don't talk, 

I et so many I could hardly walk. 

When yo'd bustum open an dah ginter to steam 

An dat fresh country butter gist madum a dream. 

And dey had dem urly June peas dat was picked while 

da's in blossom; 
But wait tell I tolger bout dat gravy dey had roun dat 

possom. 
It was gist a real medium lite broun, 
Hum youm, youm ! when dey rised de lid yo could smill it 

all ober toun. 
An dat homade cake stood five layers hi, 
Mursy! an dat egg-custard, well, 'twould almost inake ye 

cry. 
Den dey passed de water mellin an ice kream on de side. 
An' when you backed away from dat table yo sho was 

satisfied. 
But you oder seen um a pitin on airs, 
Ole Ginn Jackson and Tildia Blairs, 

When dey's asks tu et dey gaped like dey waned to fuse. 
Sain no we thank yo, we don't carh fo, but to dat table dey 

gin to oose. 
Well sure yo woder almose bussed yo ribs 
When de blessen was said by ole Joe Tibs, 
Gist fo he started he ginner a real deep sie. 
And eber body bow dey heads, but on dem biscuits he 

kept one eye. 
Den he started. Good Lod! we turn thanks fo what bout 

to cieve. 
But I aint so buzy wid dis prawh dat I can't see dat sister 

slipen biscuits up her sleeve. Amen. 



14 My Valued Ruby 



WHAT WE OUGHT TO ICNOW 

God help a people that really has no flag, 

For on their present and future seems to heavily swag, 

'Tis that awful burden of mystery. 

And oh ! how painful that their heroism's ne'er mentioned 

in history. 
Then go my brave people and make one of your own. 
It will show our mighty love and that we're learning to 

stand alone. 
For years and years j^ou've given your sons to this land of 

the noble and free, 
But maybe it'll go down in this last war, though others 

we've failed to see. 
Now we have men among us, men of brain and might. 
Don't dream of difficulty a few years back, for then all 

newspapers were white. 

Now why not send our reporters on to the battlefield 
And let them follow our comrades so their great deeds 

cannot be shield. 
And when the shots and shells are flying 
Into the hearts of our loved ones dying 
Then God helps a people that try to help themselves. 
That has the right love for each other laid on memory's 

golden shelves. 
Just think of our great heroes that died that we may live, 
And think what its stealing from our children because 

history fails to give. 
I've even spoke of Honorable Douglass to boys of my race. 
Why they would ask me who was Douglass and amazingly 

look into my face. 
Oh! this would break my heart to think of that noble man. 
And there are others that should be in all history of the 

land. 



My Valued Ruby 15 



SIE RANKENS AND HIS WIFE LIZZ 

(Satisfied) 

Git outer heah an goter wok, 

Uv all men's yo lobes tu shirk. 

Don dan woken fo a dollah a dah, 

Don hard wok an' git good pah. 

Sie, what's de use larg or small, 

Yo de kinder umman gonner spend it all. 

Lizz, bleav me man, yo needs som pride. 

Sie, hum, yo shud worrah ef um satisfied. 

Lizz, sumer des dahs I'll lost my mind. 

Den you'll leff dis hos liker a bird a flyen, 

Cus I'll be a devil an dat untied, 

I'll sees how much den you am satisfied. 

Lizz, mussey me, dis world am ruff, 

An' marrahed life I goter nuff. 

To don rite I really tried, 

Den gwon an leah me, um satisfied. 

Lizz, I'll nuckel to yo nebber no mo, 

Cus I kin clean cars f o de ole Big Fo, 

I told um I's coming, dey thinks I's lied, 

Cus de wah yo acten man, I ain't satisfied. 

Sie, somer des dahs I'll slep a neaf de cool 

An' yo'll hab tu hich, drove, an' cur dem mules 

Holin woe haw gee, come heah elide, 

I gus den honey yo'll be satisfied. 

Lizz, tain't no use in talkin to me, 

I's made up my mind to let yo be. 

Whever yo sleep neaf de cool wom or hot 

I'll took dis brom an broke yo not. 

Sie, den do it mnman I aniter goner hide, 

Any ole thing soes yo satisfied. 

Lizz, dah yo am a giten all good 

Den com na kiss me, hum, I wish I wood 

Cus yo kinder mens I's laid aside. 

Sie, ef dey all no yo like me, dey woun be satisfied 



16 My Valued Ruby 



LIEUTENANT RUFF 

"Company Attion," dats it snap dem heals rite agether 

And don't be grumblen bout de rainy wedder, 

Fo dahs a few things I's boun to mention. 

Yo pock out dat chest, 

Yo lazy thing, yo am like de rest. 

Gim me dem heads and eyes tu de front 

An' don't let me heah yo breave or grunt. 

Now in dis company dahs a singen aroun 

Dat some yo soldiers am a staen in town, 

Yo no dat am a breaken uv de rules, 

And awful bad it sounds. 

Rut let me ketch de ole ring leader 

Wid him I'll broke de guard hous don. 

"At Ease!" quit dat trimblen at de neas. 

In de monen I's goner call de roll 

An ebber liben body better hit de stroll. 

Ef dahs anybody daun anser tu dey name 

Well, de wah I'll punshum, hit '11 be a shame. 

Sur Lieutenant ! mah I speak. 

No you studers, an' it'll tuck yo a week. 

Now stop dat rolen dem eyes dah, 

Yo am de fello dey calls jack de bah. 

Does yo no yo am afoolen wid de hinges uv def 

An' what yo am athinken yo am badly lef. 

Ress, a man kin talk tell he nely chokes, 

An' Ress don't mean fo you tu smoke. 

Drap dat cigarete, 

I bet I'll bio dis company up yet. 

Now I want spoke bout de ban solute. 

An' you better bring me a press on all dem suits. 

In dis company dahs a loss uv pep 

An' in aroun' lebben werf yo am boun to crep. 

"PradeRess!" 

Keep dat line neatly dressed. 

Looker a dah how yo's holen dat gun, 

Gist like a man giten redy tu run. 

"Sholder Arms !" 



My Valued Ruby 17 



As yo wus, yo goter alarmed. 

Now what's de madder widd dis coman? 

Change dat gun in de udder han 

In all my forty years I seen 

Yo bunch uv mens am mity green. 

Wake up now an sodger rite, 

Ef yo don't da'll be one awfull file. 

Yo'll taste de essnes uv my fist. 

"Company Attention !" 

Dah am de dinner bell yo am dismist. 



THE PARSON'S RESOLUTION 

Parson Johnson at his church on a New Year's Eve 

Made a resolution he had up his sleeve. 

He knew the congregation had some inside information, 

But from where cometh he never knew. 

So the bells begin to ring and the whistles begin to blow 

Everybody kneeled in prayer, but Parson walked the flo. 

Chorus 

Said, Lord! remove those evil spirits, that's concealed in 

my trunk, 
In which so often I bathe my soul, but never was I drunk. 
Deliver me along a different path and close mine eyes 

even to an empty flask. 
And if temptation greets me along my way 
May Thee never let bad thoughts upon my conscience 

play. 

Parson in his sermon, done oh ! very well. 
He spoke of hypocrites, backsliders and infidels, 
He mentioned of St. Peter, who is writing the deeds we do 
And said when sliding back is untrue. 
He preached until his mind was a little overtaxed 
And knowing that bottle he had hid was the real old true 
facts. 



18 My Valued Ruby 



ON SUNDAY MORN 

Long side de road 
Where my heart overflowed, 
From de moanen uv a dove 
While I's dreamin' uv yo love 

On Sunday mom. 

While I sit an thing uv yo, 

And de sun shines doun on de mistic's dew. 

In dis beautiful place, 

I kin see yo sweet face 

On Sunday morn. 

I love to roam de putty wile wood. 
It reminds me uv our dearest childhood. 
To listen to de birds 
And music widout word 

On Sunday mom. 

Ef fate holds a day we're to meet again 
To relieve my heart uv its aken pain. 
If it's God's decree 
I hope it will be 

On Sunday morn. 



TOAST 

Leave me not dear just now. 

The words I solemnly vow. 

Without your care 

This world I fear, 

I'll take a glass of little bubbles 

Then life will be full of troubles. 



My Valued Ruby 19 



MY LITTLE GIRL 

Your smiles have faded into frowns. 
Your eyes have lost their glow of brown, 
Your lips are numb, hides your teeth of pearl, 
Why lose this beauty, my little girl? 

The roses in the garden, are drooping and dying 
Since they know of your tears and sighing. 
This puts a crape o'er the whole wide world 
Bring back this beauty, my little girl. 

I listen to the birds when I'm alone 
And they have lost their silver tone; 
Sometimes they're mute, and feathers all curled. 
There's another beauty lost, my little girl. 

Now the sun came up but refused to shine. 
It was lost from your presence and love divine. 
The clouds drifted by, fastly in a whirl, 
I want you and the sunshine, my little girl. 

There was a day that was dear to me 
When we sailed across loves bright sea, 
There we saw only water, sky and love 
And this was a blessing from our God above 
But soon our boat ran into a snirl. 
And gone was our beauty, my little girl. 



A POET'S WIFE 

Has a miserable life 

As he sits and thinks from sun to sun, 

There he dreams of the lakes and dells 

Her poor heart just beats by spells. 

But when he's back from those beautiful scenes 

She looks in his eyes and the love-light gleams. 



20 My Valued Ruby 



A FROSTY MORN 

Spring's early blossoms 
Are sleeping in their grave, 
Oh! how the sun did shine, 
For their lives it tried to save. 

Just think of all their beauty 
And Jack Frost was the winner. 
Though in sight of the shining sun, 
He's an awful sinner. 

And while they lie asleep 
Beneath the chilly snow. 
We only dream of their tenderness 
And their fragrance we love so. 

Just think of each little petal 
That was veiled with that all white shroud, 
And the miserable death they died. 
While the sun was behind the clouds. 

But cheer up! all sad hearts, 
Mother nature is soon to bring 
Another collection of buds, 
For the ones stolen this spring. 



THE LITTLE TOE DANCER 

Down a little lane 
So beautifully shaded 
There I met the queen 
Of all little maidens. 

Her hair was light 
And eyes sky-blue. 
She was out of the garden 
Of beauties that's true. 



My Valued Ruby 21 



She'd hold her little dress 
And dance to the breeze; 
She would do it with grace 
And musical ease. 

On the tips of her toes 
She'd go around like a top, 
With such dancing, entrancing, 
I thought she'd ne'er stop. 

Then she'd bow 

And give a sweet little smile, 

Pulling her finger 

Like a real little child. 

But who only knows 
Whom this maiden can be. 
She's my secret inspirer, 
And the world to me. 

Sometimes when I write 
She stands by my side. 
If my poem's of the ocean 
She rides on the tide. 

Now little one 
My thoughts are dim. 
But with your guidance 
I worked with vim. 

And now I must go. 
But my thoughts are of you. 
We'll meet here next Sunday 
In the lane at two. 



22 My Valued Ruby 



A SPARK OF LOVE 

What will ease 

Two aching hearts 

That fate and time 

Has drifted apart? 

I'll speak to this rose, 

For maybe it knows 

A gladness for her love 

That's now reposed. 

Why did our minds 

With spirited souls, 

Let distance ring in 

Leaving our hearts grow cold? 

Now we sit and dream 

Though miles away, 

Neither can enjoy 

The blessings of the day. 

For a moment we're happy 

Then sadness prevails, 

In our ears whistles memories 

Like a nightingale. 



THE DEATH OF MRS. WORMSLEY 

Down along Lincoln way, \ 

In our church on Sabbath day 

A shock to a father, sisters and brothers. 

When the Master called the Wormsley mother. 

Tear drops then began to fall. 

But this is the sting must come to us all, 

With a pitiful look, one at the other. 

To mourn the death of the Wormsley mother. 

Soon the alarm spread around. 

And hung a sad token o'er the town, 

The alarm traveled farther and farther. 

While the heaven's doors opened to Wormsley mother. 



My Valued Ruby 23 



EASTER ROSES 

(To Mrs. Perry Honce McGee) 

The roses you hold 

Though they are withering away. 

In their heart is my love 

And a brighter day. 

Their petals now drooped 
But fragrance still sweet. 
My heart with trueness 
For you ever beats. 

All the whole world 
And its treasures of gold 
Could tell no sweeter story 
Than these roses have told. 

So fate could ne'er send 
No sweeter one, dear, 
Than you with your love 
And tender care. 



EYES 

Eyes that speak 

Are worth their weight in gold. 
For many a aching heart 
With love they console. 

They have no words 
Like the trembling lips, 
Though glance by glance 
You can read their manuscript. 



24 My Valued Ruby 



LAZY MULE 

Gee, Gee, 

Yo better quit dat pestern me. 

Woe, tell I unkiber dis corn, 

A raskul like yo shud nebber ben bon. 

When de sun conies out yo am looken fo de cool 

An' dat's de powful acten uv a lazy mule. 

Den dah's de minet I gits de bridle ' 

Yo eyes am shut yo mine goes idle. 
Did yo had no risens or go to school — no. 
Ah, dat's de rezen yo's a lazy mule. 

Now maybe tumorh I'll drove yo tu town, 
And what I means yo gwine tu sweep de groun, 
Yo won't drug along acten a fool, 
Yo'll git up an muv, lazy mule. 

Yo ets a wagon loder con an' a bale o hay. 

Den yo leans er ginst de fence when yo goes tu bray, 

I recken som time you'll ax fo a stool 

So you kin set doun yo lazy mule. 

Den tu I recken I'll trade yo off, 
Yo Ion nekhog, yo ets de hay out de loft, 
Now yo kin git mad but I got er nu rule, 
Yo good for nothen lazy mule. 

And when I goes tu mak dis deal, 

Yo run around de barn an' kick up yo heal, 

Stab rit sid dat ole marh Brule 

Den de man won't no he's giten sich a lazy mule. 

Ah, an when he gits yo you'll cease tu balk, 
Fo he am goter a chalklin yo has tu walk. 
From dat dab on yo'll be a liven tool 
Dat I'll en yo actens uv er lazy mule. 

An mail de dab come when yo cease tu breve 

Den yo'll flot wid de angles fru de trees, 

An de buzzards will fite one mo duel 

An I'll sah dab gones de essene uv dat lazy mule. 



My Valued Ruby 25 



THROUGH THE MILL 

If I can compose my way to success 
Then some time I'll compose the rest. 
It will be of my childhood days 
Building mud houses for different plays. 

Oh! I was bad and mischievous, too, 
And always looking for something to do. 
And when I found nothing I surely was sad. 
To be good very long would make me mad. 

Though I longed to go to school, 
But I was poor and fate overruled, 
Then my mother, whom I love so dear. 
Passed away at the end of the year. 

Then I fought this old, rough world. 

For I had lost my valued pearl. 

And now she sleeps beneath the sod; 

It brought me deep sorrow though it's the will of God. 

Just think of my mother, she guides me yet. 
And keeps me away from those sinful nets. 
All through life, from place to place, 
She ne'er let alcohol enter my taste. 

And I've ne'er lived a day I want to live o'er. 
Unless it was school days which I could love more. 
Now I'll thank God and that sweet little her, 
My life's been rough, but never a blur. 



A heart without love 
And nowhere to build. 
The mind wanders far. 
Leaving the soul to chill. 



26 My Valued Ruby 



A DROOPING ROSE 

She'll always be 

Sweet like the breath you give 

In trying to console me. 

I hope you're not leaving, 

'Twould break my heart to think. 

I love you better than all the rest, 

For your petals are all over pink. 

Cheer up ! little rose. 

With your petals looking mad, 

My sweet heart is dying, 

That's why I'm looking sad. 

Oh ! there is your companions 

And they are blooming all gay, 

But I wonder if you know 

My love is to pass away. 

But forever in my memory. 



BECKER'S JEALOUSY 

Lody, Lody, chile am yo heard de nues, 

Ole Ruby Gee go dem late stile shoes (no!) 

Yo noes dem kin wid de heel so high, 

An all de men's jist looks when she goes by. 

Course she ain't as swell as she thinks she am, ef all ports 

am true. 
She oder member, dat I noder, when she worned a boot an 

a shoe. 
Mursey me, I kin seed her now in church a gazen aroun 
Tryen to make eber body seer, so de nues, kin spread de 

town. 
But um goner taut alls in de quar jist how to act renoun 
An when Ole Ruby Gee comes in church we kin gider one 

pison frown. 



My Valued Ruby 27 



Oh! but I loves dat uman jist like I loves a snake. 

An I ain't fogot how tonny she acted don at Ras Johnson's 

wake. 
Eber time dey passed de coffee she'd tuck it an kinder 

linger, 
An put on de mostest airs, posen her little finger. 
Dar she sit an sip, an saped, 
An droped de hoi cup in her lap. 
Mursey me, I laughed, tell my sides almos buss. 
Den we had one awful fuss. 
Rut bleave me, chile, I belt my groun, 
Ef things did look powf ul dark aroun. 
An ef it hadn't ben fo waken uv de dead 
Dab ben one awful pullen uv de beads. 
Yo nows fo a minit I acted refine. 
Rut after dat she got a piece uv my mine. 
Den eber body look all eck mased, 
Sam Thomptson whispered to drunken Hays, 
What yo spose dey am fusen about. 
Well sur we broke up dat wake, widout a dout. 
Den all along de streets on our wah home 'twas a site befo 

de king. 
We was a gibberen an a gabberen, an bof un us sushed 
When dat troll-bell ring. 
Den we was quiet where de siety folks lived 
An we hardly drewed our breff. 
Rut when we's out uv dat part uv toun I nocked her rite 

an lef . 



TRUELET 

Each daj'^ there is sunshine, 
Each day there are showers. 
Means some day in May Day 
We'll be picking wild flowers. 



28 My Valued Ruby 



INCH BY INCH 

I'm yet in the path 

A jogging along. 

That's leading to the righteous 

Away from the wrong. 

We have not time 

To talk evil of others, 

For losing enemies 

To gain heavenly brothers. 

Oh, Lord! 

May the day be long 

In which you have power 

To sound the heavenly gong. 

We know this means 
Our last day. 
Bless us and save us 
In that land far away. 



THE PLACE WHERE LITTLE MARY LIVES 

Down a beautiful country road 

The roses in bloom and their perfume strewed. 

Oh ! the joy it brought to my heart, 

'Twas so lender, so sweet, I couldn ne'er depart 

From that place where little Mary lives. 

Oh ! that spot beside the hill 

Where nature and beauty can always build, 

Tells a story it really seems 

And will always be life's sweetest dream 

Of that place where little Mary lives. 



My Valued Ruby 29 



When she plucked and gave to me 

A beautiful rose in a manner so free. 

The heavenly breezes begin to blow 

And the tenderness through my heart did flow 

For that place where little Mary lives. 

That was a day of God's decree, 
And oh ! no scenes could sweeter be, 
They soothed my heart and eased my pain. 
May the bright sunshine ne'er turn to rain, 
Down where little Mary lives. 

But summer is soon to fade away. 

Followed by a cold winter day. 

The howling winds in the month of December, 

But that dear little rose I'll always remember 

That come from the place where title Mary lives. 

Now I see the blustery snow 

And it's changed the scenes where I used to go. 

It's all over white 

Though the stars are shining bright. 

How sad be that place where little Mary lives. 

At times I think and really sigh 

To think of those roses that are sleeping nearby. 

But they will return 

To my heart that yearns. 

And for that place and its beauty 

Where little Mary lives. 



A QUESTION 

Why are great men's lives 

Thrown into the mist? 

One's who aim at the sky. 

Are found at the bottom of the list. 



30 My Valued Ruby 



MR. FINK 

I met a man 
The other day 
On a Chicago train. 
Ry the way 
His face was strange 
And very old, 
And holds a sad story 
Yet to be told. 
He says, my boy. 
We'll have a drink. 
I said, no I thank you, 
Mr. Fink. 

Then he gave a real deep sigh. 
Like a child about to cry. 
In a moment he raised and said. 
Then he stroked his old bald head, 
Patting me on my shoulder then. 
He faded his wrinkles into a grin. 
Now my lad, as I sit and think. 
May you never be like 

Mr. Fink. 

My younger days had I refused. 
Now I'd stand in different shoes; 
I could throw this blanket off of me 
And this deadly sorrow that you see 
Then with a nod he solemnly winked, 
Try and remember Mr. Fink. 

With a trembling he then relates 
Of his mighty love that's turned to hate, 
He called a name that was once his wife. 
This was the pride that wrecked his life. 
Saying once I was rich, but now I beg. 
She's the cause, a wretched old hag, 
Then there was love with a broken link 
Mournfully told by Mr. Fink. 



My Valued Ruby 31 



GRAY HEADS 

Two gray heads bowed in tears. 

Above hung memories of wasted years, 

For once they were young with the blessings of health. 

They sought not happiness, righteousness nor wealth, 

But now they jog along to end of life's rope, 

The end is not far, just o'er the slope. 

Their lives must be studied 

With their heads bloomed gray 

To direct souls 

Along life's sweeter way. 

'Twill teach j^ou their sorrow 

Each day 'twill bring 

The joy that's in our lives 

'Twill loudly ring. 

But if heads are hard 

And holds within 

The things you crave 

Be worldly sins 

We'll go down to a joyless end. 

Leaving sorrow to have its sway, 

We'll be like those two 

I saw the other day. 



HER SOLEMN THOUGHTS 

Oh ! cruel, cruel fate is mine. 

Why am I tortured with life so unkind. 

Cruel as the grave, it means peace for me. 

For there only, my sorrow, will e'er let me be. 

Peace or happiness, I truly know not. 

And gone art the sunshine that lightened my darkened 

spots 
The little birds for me do not sing so sweet 
And the roses have withered from the warm summer's 

heat. 

— Mrs. Perry H. McGee 



32 My Valued Ruby 



YOUR EYES AND MY EYES 

Your eyes so beautiful tells a tale 
And o'er me holds the bill of sale. 
With each glance they tenderly bring 
A little love song for my heart to sing. 
They hold the warmth around my soul 
With love, kind love, to sweet to be told. 

Were my eyes allowed to tell 

How my poor heart beats by spells. 

For your love it really craves, 

Why send it down to its grave? 

Time take away my haunted years 

And your love, sweet love, that's caused me tears. 

Let your eyes shine for me real true. 
Then I'll explain more love for you. 
The world then would cease my sorrow. 
This brings a brighter day to-morrow. 
Then forever we'd live in sweet loveland 
With love, much love, I'd hold your hand. 

By your eyes I traced your love. 
Being guided by the Savior above; 
I saw a weakening along the way 
That I could strengthen would it pay. 
But those things are hard to mend 
When two has love that doesn't blend. 



Be careful in your daily walks, 

Because from some source or other there's always a 
watching eye. 



My Valued Ruby 33 



NATURAL RORN COLORED MAN 

Sam Jackson was goin' with a real yallow gal, the one that 

he called his own-side pal, 
Rut he found she would deceive, she told a friend by the 

name of Stark. 
She could love Sam if he wasn't so dark; 
This made a discord down town, 
Cause Sam was standing near, and seemed to overhear 

and just then he spoke right up and said: 

Chorus 

I'm a natural born gen-u-wine colored man, you don't 

have to look twice to see who I am. 
You look at me once and your thoughts will end, cause I 

got that puro-de colored skin. 
It's the kind of skin that the sun don't tan, this makes me 

the king of the sunny land, 
So you go your way but bear in mind I'm what you call 

the puro-de gen-u-wine. 

Now all high yellows to Sam is in vain, he never lets them 

bother his brain. 
And all through his life he'll letum alone, he knows that 

his skin's a bit shady. 
So he will avoid every yellow lady, he's got a club of his 

own. 
Where all brown skins can meet and have a musical treat 
For every night Sam kindly sings. 



A RLOT ON LOVE 

On comes the future 

And brighter day it brings. 

Rut prosperity should never bother 

Love in the heart that sings. 



34 My Valued Ruby 



DE GOLDEN COW 

Life fo me am one sweet dream 
Sense I's been drinken Jersey cream, 
Ebum, my wife, am changed her wahs 
She worens a smile eber dah, 

When I miks dat golden cow. 

Yo no when I buyeder my wife jist frond. 
And to all de nabers she run me doun, 
I wished yo hear 'er now, she calls me honey. 
An' tells me how well I spent my money 
When I buyed dat golden cow. 

All my chuluns jist seems to smile 
Liker a pasel uv crocker diles. 
One I'll Stan, an hunch de uder, 
Dey gits dat actens from dair muder, 
When I miks dat golden cow. 

All de foks dat libs next dooh 
Try to be so soshul, any mo. 
But dey needn't ack, all dat cin, 
I gits eber body off my mine 

When I miks dat golden cow. 

An dat Jersey neber offers to kick, 
I'd lose my mind ef she'd git sik, 
Jist think what it means to my poar heart. 
How sad 'twould be ef I had to part 
From miken dat golden cow. 

But ef she eber dies, 
In hebum I no she'll rest on hi, 
Cous darh she stoods an hols wid in. 
An' neber breeved a breff er sin, 

Hu dat cow amer golden cow. 



My Valued Ruby 35 



MEMORIES 

Sweet, sweeter, sweetest memories, 

Of my great, greater, greatest days. 

Has come and gone but now returns. 

As I pass the little church door 

My poor heart yearns. It wants you and those golden 

hours 
That held my sweet, sweeter, sweetest memories. 

When I hear 

The church organ play. 

My poor heart 

Just hums away 

A million of your melodies 

And my sweet, sweeter, sweetest memories. 

All the little birds 

Just seem to know 

Of my happy days 

When you loved me so. 

For every morn they tenderly sing 

My sweet, sweeter, sweetest memories. 



YOU ARE 

You are my morning star. 
You are my evening's pride. 
You are my all and all, 
You are my love besides. 

You are my brightest hope 
You are my world of gold. 
You are all of my happiness. 
You are ne'er to grow cold. 



36 My Valued Ruby 



GRAY EYES 

Gray eyes, with your haunting, piercing trait. 
And your infernal deadly bliss. 
Around my heart still entwins a kiss. 
Though shame am I to relate. 

Gray eyes, this game fate is ruling, 

Though many are the sad spirits 

That conscience has seen. 

From a lonely bench in the park amid the green. 

With an aching, burning heart 

No thoughts of you were cooling. 

Gray eyes, answer me with your dreamy look. 

Ah ! that loving, tender smile's a traitor, 

Sad reflections we both see. 

The last spark in my heart its took, 

And I have learned to be your hater. 



PICNIC DAY 

Driften don de Ohio, 
Oh, dat muddy 'bio, 
Hearh dat boat a pufflen. 
See dem darkies shuftlen 
Ye, dis am picnic day. 

When she goes aroun' de ben 
Yo see dem darkies gin to grin 
In dare hearts is powful joy, 
Yo hearh dat word O, my boy, 
Dis am picnic day. 



My Valued Ruby 37 



Den yo hearh dem banjoes ring 

Ole time darkies 'gin to sing 

All dem southern melodies 

Dat makes 5^0 dance wid so much ease 

00, ah, ah, on picnic day. 

Soon darh was a razor duel 
'Tween Willie Jackson and Coston Souel, 
Den de gran master drew his sword 
An' bofi" dem rascals jumped overboad 
On picnic day. 

Den Magie Jones let a scream 
Like de boat popen off steam. 
Den she spoke a piece her mine, 
Saen dis hapens eber time 
On picnic day. 

Den Parson Brown mader speech 
Dat held de congregation liker leech. 
All yo folkes oder be a shame 
Fo tryen to spile de church's good name 
I don't carah ef it am picnic day. 

Parson wasn't fread to say 

He made his speech jist dat wah, 

An' when he's thru, he wiped his brow. 

An' the congergation moaned liker cow 

On picnic day. 

Den de boat pulled into land. 
Parson madum understand 
Anybody not actin rite 
Will walk de water back home to-night, 
Dis am er church picnic day. 



38 My Valued Ruby 



JUST AN IRISHMAN'S WAY 

If your name is Mc or O'Maley 

Come and shake hands with me, 

That's the brand killarney gives 

Before sending us over the sea. 

No words I can speak 

To hold more true 

And to show I'm an Irishman thru and thru. 

Than those that are blending 

To the Irish minds 

Sure Mc or O'Maley 

Is just the time. 

Sure this is an Irishman's way. 

Though to you it may seem odd; 

But the land they are from is a paradise 

Blessed by the greenest of sod. 

This makes me proud 

Sure to be, 

And to meet an Irishman 

Just like me. 

Then we can tell of the lakes and dells 

And the beautiful shamrock bordered shores. 



OFTEN TOLD 

Oh ! the beautiful morning sun 
That shineth on the mistic dew. 
It sparkles different colors 
Once your eyes would do this, too. 



My Valued Ruby 39 



VIOLET AND YOU 

Early in the spring 
Beneath the veranda grew 
A lonely little violet, 
And it brought our love anew 
The days that we were parted. 

My heart was ever true, 

I shall always love this violet, 

This violet and you. 

I'll pluck this Uttle fellow. 

And to you I'll tenderly give. 

It's a token of our reunion. 

May our love always live. 

Though life could give no sweeter, too. 

Than this violet, this violet, and you. 

And I shall hold in memory 
This violet, purple and green, 
For returning life's happiness 
To me, that's what it means. 
Though my love it blew and blew. 
Back to this violet, this violet, and you. 



MY WILL 

I'm slow to anger when trouble comes. 
For this is just my build. 
And to hurt the feelings of another 
Is usually against my will. 



40 My Valued Ruby 



OLEGRIA 

Composed May 27, 1920. 

Around me at twilight shadows fall, 
PYomi the beautiful heavens is a childish call. 
That has haunted me for years and years, 
Through my bitter sighs and salty tears, 

It's Olegria, my little unseen. 

Ah! there's my little darling one 
To pay me a visit, at the setting of the sun. 
Be seated here love, on the green sod, 
You're a little blessing from our own God, 
Olegria, my little unseen. 

Now listen to the dream, of daddy's golden hour. 

But awakened from his slumber by the down twinkling 

shower. 
Then I tried to stroke your beautiful brown hair. 
But the breath of a moment banished you into the air, 
'Twas farewell Olegria, my little unseen. 



IN AN ALL OLD ROSE 

I dreamed you were dressed in an all old rose. 

So sadly I kissed you while my soul was reposed, 

I dreamed that you promised some day you'd be mine. 

I dreamed heaven blessed our love divine. 

Gone art that night to where no one knows. 

But I'll n'er forget you, dressed in that all old rose. 

You gladden my heart while love breezes blew, 

I know not where my sorrow then flew. 

Maybe into lands where love ne'er grows 

To tell YOU dressed in an all old rose. 



My Valued Ruby 41 



LOVE'S REFLECTIONS 

If I had wings, 
I'd take you and soar 
To a land of happiness 
For evermore. 
Leaving all sorrows 
To the years we've seen, 
Then Cupid can play 
On the grassy greens. 
She'd have no use 
For her bow and arrow. 
Our hearts will be true 
And gay as the sparrow. 
Then we can gaze down 
In that valley so deep 
That held our love 
Before it could creep. 



Entertain no thought other than good. 
Then evilness around you will ne'er prevail. 



An open expression may slip from the lips, 
But deceit constantly dwells within. 



We only receive in value 

The interest in which we do a thing. 



42 My Valued Ruby 



SUMMER IS GONE 

When the leaves have all turned brown 
And through the autumn breeze 
They come sailing to the ground, 
This tells me that summer is gone. 

Left in the garden is one single rose. 

Its a sad token that every one knows. 

Oh ! how my heart does sorrowfully swell. 

When that rose begins to tell that summer is gone. 

Now I've roamed and tried to find 
Some place to hide my sorrow behind. 
But where'er I go 
Mother nature says so, that summer is gone. 

Where are the little birds 

And their music I heard? 

They fly side by side 

To a place that provides, when summer is gone. 

The beautiful sun's hidden behind the clouds 
And my poor heart almost speaks aloud. 
To have it return 
It would cease to yearn, but summer is gone. 



IDLENESS 

Idleness from day to day 

Upon the strongest mind bad thought will play 

Around your heart there's a knocking, 

'Tis consciousness; then to be idle 

Shows ungodliness. 



My Valued Ruby 43 



A SHADOW ON THE BEAUTY OF LIFE 

When you wear a frown, from day to day. 

Having no regards for the right I'll say 

Seeking your company without a thought. 

And deafening your ears to what mother has taught, 

This puts a shadow on the beauty of life. 

If there sits before you a glass that bubbles, 
It means you only sorrow and troubles, 
'Twill take you to the late hours at night 
And start your longing for wonderful sights. 
Then a shadow is on the beauty of life. 

If you ne'er look before you leap 

In trying to get money by the heap, 

To lengthen joy rides in beautiful cars. 

Soon you will land behind the bars. 

This spreads a shadow on the beauty of life. 

If you're easy persuaded in doing wrong 
Your heart will pay with a little sad song. 
When company isn't right, travel alone. 
Then ask God to give you a mind of your own. 
And you'll never shadow the beauty of life. 



HAPPY AND SORROW 

Each happy thought may be followed by sorrow. 
It can steal away your smiles for to-morrow. 
The hours we are happy to our lives means a goal. 
Value happy thoughts for we are fast growing old. 
Walk a narrow path and from happiness borrow. 
For happiness could change in the next hour 
Then sorrow, like rainfall, could pour in showers. 



44 My Valued Ruby 



THE SHAWL OF SIN 

Oh! sinful shawl 

That holds me tight, 

Were you off my shoulders 

I'd be straight from this night. 

My sorrow's too great 
To e'er be told. 
I being so weak 
And easy to infold. 

You have taken my strength 
And let me fall. 
May this be a lesson 
To us one and all. 



NATURE 

When the sun goes down in the Golden West, 
Night blankets all nature at rest. 
Far in the east, creeps up the silvery moon. 
The night birds then begin to spoon. 



A heart that is a dangerous one 

Is a heart that cannot hold a secret. 



Fate rules, time brings about 

All of God's blessing that's in store for us. 



A restful night makes bright the morn, 
This leads on to endless joy 
Making life worth while. 



My Valued Ruby 45 



DEMOCRACY 

War is over, peace is signed, 

Will the colored man be in the place he used to find? 
Well, he really should not for in the war he was true 
And he's waiting now to see what Democracy will do. 
Stand up ! America, you're the land of the noble and free, 
But you're letting other countries mention things you 

ought to see. 
Oh! but we will live in hopes without a thought of feeling 

blue, 
But remember our little children knows what Democracy 

ought to do. 
Now to be frank, with you America and other countries 

know 
Just how you treat the colored man, with that awful old 

jimcrow. 
We can be intelligent, dressed sufficient, when we walk in. 
As a rule we are grossly insulted on the account of the 

color of skin. 

I had a dream, America, just a dream of you. 

But I hope it was a nightmare only passing through. 

I saw you in another war, cannons roared, before de- 
clared. 

But if I were you I'd stay at home and clean my own 
golden stairs. 

Oh, but we will praise the Lord, from whom all blessings 
flow and sing 

And watch that word Democracy, for we know what it 
ought to bring. 



Give your time and thought 
To the better side of life. 



46 My Valued Ruby 



BREATH OF LOVE 

Moments by moments, hours by hours. 
Your love in my heart just pours in showers. 

Breath of love. 
Breath by breath, smile by smile, 
May your love bring to my heart no vile 

Breath of love. 
Word by word, to ease by ease. 
My love is all yours to treat as you please. 

Breath of love. . 
Side by side, hand in hand, 
Pure love, sweet love, will always stand. 



THE CONVICT 

Cling, clang, the anvil rang 

Behind the prison walls a convict sang 

A song of his innocence as he worked away. 

And for keeping bad company this was his pay. 

He was coaxed by mother, sister and brother 
Before the handcuffs came, 
But now he's clothed in a little striped suit. 
And to face the world again he's ashamed. 



Life is so short, death sleep is so long. 
Think kind of me now not after I'm gone. 



Steal not from yourself nowadays 
For your work is your boss. 



My Valued Ruby 47 



ALWAYS 

There's always a look in your eyes. 
There's always a rose in your smile, 
Could there be a feeling in your heart 
To my life that means worth while. 

There's always times I long for you, 
There's always times I feel sad. 
I wonder if those times could be brightened 
To make my poor heart glad. 

There's always my golden dreams. 
There's always my thoughts of love. 
And you are a tender blessing dear 
That flowed from the heavens above. 

There's always a cloudy day, 
There's always a little sunshine, 
But there would be no cloudy ones 
K you'll promise to be mine. 



ALL 

All, to our lives is pure sweet love 
All, in a day it can grow. 
All, in a moment it can leave us, 
All, of us don't think so. 

All, of our thoughts of happiness. 
All, of our smiles in between. 
All, could be dead by tomorrow. 
All, could be love's saddest scene. 



Our lives are passing ne'er to repass. 
Quoting these words to memory 
Could save your soul. 



48 My Valued Ruby 



FADED LOVE 

Gone art your love, that I once knew, 

It faded like a rose for the want of dew. 

But God bless you, dear, 

From sorrow and care. 

But there lies memories of your faded love. 

Though I'll go along life's gay way, 
Plucking the roses of a bright summer's day. 
Weakened but guided by the Savior above, 
But still there's memories of your faded love. 

Enchanted in my heart were you so strong 
I never dreamed fate could guide you wrong. 
From the wilderness came the mourn of a dove. 
It knows the sad story of your faded love. 

Onward to me the years may fly 
But not relieved of my tears and sighs. 
Remember I held you with my little golden gloves 
Till the distant times brought your faded love. 



WHERE THE SUN NE'ER KISSED 

Back o'er the mountain 
Where the sun ne'er shines 
Was left a snow drift 
From winter time. 
In this lonely little spot 
Where nothing will grow 
The warm summer winds 
Ne'er melts the snow. 



My Valued Ruby 49 



THE BREATH OF A ROSE 

You have a soul as tender as the breath of a rose. 

Each day my life's worth living as our love grows and 

grows. 
There never shone a star as bright, no sweeter words 

could have come to light. 

And there's a compensation to you life owes. 

For your soul being as tender as the breath of a rose. 

And the coldest night the winter wind blows 

In my heart's a humming that no one knows. 

My love for you just gently flows, 

While I sit and think of the words to compose. 

May always your soul be tender 

As the breath of a rose. 



THE WILD ROSE 

The little wild rose 
I gave to you 
'Tis a token of my love. 
Will you be true? 

It was losing its petals. 
For autumn was near. 
But love so humble. 
For you my dear. 

If all through life 
This rose could speak, 
'Twould strengthen our love 
Should it e'er grow weak. 



50 My Valued Ruby 



A SONG OF A BROKEN HEART 

Just as many days that my heart has broken 

I will count and hold as love's sad token, 

But just the way my heart is aching 

Some day you'll love, then you'll be forsaken. 

You may be happy for a time, in a way, 

But fate will overrule, then you're sure to pay, 

And when that time comes you'll sit and look in space. 

In each, and every vision, will be my broken-hearted face. 

Then you will see and solemnly plead 

To have the time shortened, my heart did bleed. 

But remember when you're playing with the game of love 

You can fool many a body, but think whose above. 



THE END OF LIFE 

Our lives is like a ball of twine. 

Day by day it unwinds. 

As if tied to a reel that you turn and turn; 

This is what every soul should learn. 

Who only knows where the end will appear 

On this tiny little string holding life so dear. 

Above is our judge to handle this case. 

We know not when the time, nor space 

Being numbered in moments, days, hours, and years, 

Save us. Oh! Lord, as the time draws near; 

And when the end cometh its the work of our God 

Then forever we'll sleep beneath the sod. 



Blessed art the ones 

Whom our Father crowns. 

But lost art the ones 

Whom seeketh and ne'er found. 



My Valued Ruby 51 



A POET'S DARK DAY 

Listen to the humble words 
That a down-hearted poet did write; 
He was in a world of darkness 
And could not see no light. 

His mind was on one person, 
But his soul was somewhat chilled, 
Though he'd smile when spoken to. 
For this was just his build. 

Maybe his mind is traveling, 
Is why he looks in space. 
His heart is loving some one. 
His actions proves the case. 

But soon his thoughts will change 
To sunshine or maybe flowers, 
Then with joy he'll sit and write 
For hours after hours. 

A poet has many a thought 

That come and go each day, 

He dwells in the land of beautiful scenes. 

Though some are a thousand miles away. 

His sweetest thoughts is tender love. 
His next is the breath of a rose. 
And oh ! how the two, gladdens hearts 
When their souls are reposed. 



Drink not of a bottle 
That has sparkling bubbles, 
This habit once formed 
Means a world of trouble. 



52 My Valued Ruby 



MY THOUGHTS OF YOU 

Here are my thoughts 
Of you, little friend. 
As 1 pass your gate 
And gently look in. 

Your rose-bloomed face 
And tender smile 
To any one living, 
They're really worth while. 

You always seem gay 

As the days are long. 

In your heart there must hum 

A sweet love song. 

This tells the story 
Just as you look. 
My thoughts of you 
Will be in a book. 



GOOD SPIRIT 

Oh! dwell with me good spirit 
In my heart let there ring 
Love for all of God's creation 
Flow from my lips when I sing. 

Deep in my heart 

Let joy be known 

And more love for our Father 

Whom sitteth on the throne. 



You have a moment to think. 
And an hour to act, this reversed 
Could mean you harm. 



My Valued Ruby 53 



A POET'S POWER 

Sleep, dearest one, sleep. 
May you dream of bright fond love 
This poem that I write of you 
Is sent from the heavens above. 

And o'er you will soar an angel 

With golden wings, 'twill fan your brow, 

My love for you in heaven's record, 

Be humble to our Savior for this blessing he allows. 

This angel will guide you o'er 

A path in which you may sin. 

But let our tender thoughts be of each other 

From the beginning to the end. 

At times you may sit and wonder 

Why you want me dear, 

I being born unfortunately poor. 

But the power in my writing holds you near. 



ROUGH ROAD 

My heart beats weak 
But my thoughts strong. 
Jogging up the road to success. 
And my strength has left me so, 
But I never stop to rest. 



We are born in this world 

With burdens laid out 

To shoulder as the years go by. 



54 My Valued Ruby 



A POET'S THOUGHTS 

A poet's thoughts are as deep 
As the old sad sea, 
And he holds love for his work 
That will always be. 

A joy to his heart 

That comes in dreams, sweet dreams. 

And he's a humble fellow. 

Just as humble as he seems. 

His heart is very tender 

And this is easy explained. 

For he's always thinking 

To relieve, some heart of it's pain. 

Night and day he labors. 
With gift he loves so well. 
And when he'll ever tire. 
Time, can only tell. 



WHAT WE GET 

The early bird gets the worm, 

The wise man gets the money. 

Jack Frost gets the autumn leaves. 

The little bee gets the honey. 

The working man gets his meals (sometimes) 

The doctor gets his calls 

But what's the use in worrying, friends, 

The graveyard gets us all. 



My Valued Ruby 55 



HIDDEN THOUGHTS 

Isn't it hard to drive back your feelings 

When therein shines a smile. 

For the one whom you love so dearly, 

And their life could mean you worth while. 

But drive it back secret love. 

Into a day of darkness and rain, 

You hold the wrath of deep sighing. 

And to our hearts, you bring racking pain. 

It hangs heavily on mind. 
And its stealing what nature has given. 
Oh! why does fate, with this bad omen 
Hold this torturing, in which we live? 



THE BEE AND THE ROSE 

Good bye, honey bee, you gathered from me 

Honey the whole summer long, 

But autumn's here to take me home. 

Now I'll lose the sound of your song. 

But go to your nest 

And dream of the past. 

"When winter goes by 

Spring returns fast. 

Then I'll return, too. 

And open my buds. 

Then the loving, tender breeze. 

With my fragrance will flood. 



56 My Valued Ruby 



EASTER GREETING 

(To my wife Ruby) 

When I think of the day 
That we're to part. 
It brings a deep sigh 
That weakens my heart. 

Then it leaves my mind 
So roamsome and blue, 
For there's my love 
In memory of you. 

In the heart of these roses 
With their petals so gay 
Is my love most tender. 
With each breath they'll spray. 

Here's solemn hopes 

With love so true, 

May these roses touch your heart 

Through and through. 

And when their petals wither 
To blow on the breeze. 
Remember love is deeper 
Than any place in the seas. 



A DIFFERENCE 

We are strong in some things 

And weak in another; 

We are not all alike. 

There is a difference in brothers. 



My Valued Ruby 57 



MILDRED AND MARIE 

The night was still. 
No sounds could be heard, 
But soon came voices 
Sweet as a bird. 

I arose from my bed 
To find who it could be. 
'Twas my deceased sisters, 
Mildred and Marie. 

Oh! how beautiful 
Was their golden wings, 
With music in their voices 
That the living can't sing. 

They told of the heavens 

So sweetly to me. 

And tell mother you were visited 

By Mildred and Marie. 



LOVE DREAM 

The rose of my life 
Were in bloom it seems. 
When I saw your face 
In my golden dreams. 

It cleansed my thoughts 

So sweet and bright, 

I ne'er wanted to awake 

Out of my slumbers that night. 



58 My Valued Ruby 



SADNESS 

Oh! torturing sadness, why burden me now? 

Hide behind those unhappy thoughts that's the cause of 

my broken vow, 
You build around me those death chilled walls, 
Leaving no sunshine in, 
But fate is the cause in letting me fall 
Deep into this untold sin. 

But I'll take you with a smile, 

It matters not where'er I be 

I'll stand my ground like a man 

If you're rough as the water of the mad rushing sea. 



THERE MUST BE 

When we lie down 

On our couch to rest. 

Our conscience must be clear 

To be heavenly blessed. 

Then smile, oh gentle Savior, 
As you pass on into sleep. 
Then somewhere in slumber land 
You may holy creep. 

There your sins are washed away, 
And replaced by golden wings, 
Oh, think what you'll enjoy 
To hear the heaven's choir sing. 



Isn't it hard to give 

Your heart and soul 

For the one you'd die to let live, 

When day by day they are growing cold. 



My Valued Ruby 59 



MY DAILY PRAYER 

Oh, Lord, teach me from day to day 

To dwell in the path 

Along the righteous way. 

Remove my thoughts 

Of riches and gold. 

For this so many 

Have traded their souls. 



THE THOUGHT OF A HUSBAND 

Each moment you frown 
You're stealing from your life. 
And at times you break the heart 
Of a dear sweet wife. 



One's greatest fancy is a smile 
And love's brightest way is hope, 
Then time's golden entrance is patience. 



Though the years to us may come and go. 
But out of my memory ne'er can flow 
The ring I gave you that spoke in silence 
For you it held you, but for me violence. 



A wicked thought is easy bought, 
But values nothing in gold. 
So read this verse between times, 
And let righteousness into your soul. 



60 My Valued Ruby 



MY LIKES 

I like all nature's beauty, 

I like to rove the wild wood, 

My heart likes to hold in its depth, 

I like only thoughts that are good. 

True like the sun does shine, 
Aloud like the bells do ring, 
Joy like my heart loves, 
It likes a little song to sing. 

Nice, like a sweet summer's eve. 
Tender, like the breezes do blow. 
My heart likes to love some one. 
It likes a place to go. 

Who likes a day of sorrow? 
Who likes untold, displeasure? 
My heart likes all happiness. 
And it likes a real full measure. 

I like but a little company, 
I like but a little sight. 
My heart likes to be at ease. 
It likes to feel, what I write. 



TO ALL 

In your heart 

Let silence find a place, 

Then be guided by your conscience 

And you're always safe. 



My Valued Ruby 61 



UNACQUAINTED 

I'd love to know 
Your real full name. 
'Twould be pleasure to write 
Your beauty and fame. 

I'd write on the value 
Of you in which 1 hold, 
Why it could ne'er be bought 
With Rockefeller's gold. 

Indeed you're a blessing 
From the heavens above. 
And all would l?e bright 
If I had your love. 

And while sweet breezes blow 
Over life's rough way, 
I could sit and write your name 
In my humble essays. 



A SMILE 

Every smiling face. 

Or even jolly motions, 

Doesn't prove that one's sorrows 

Are not deeper than the ocean. 

But there is great value, in a smile, 
It can save a poor man's life. 
When I go home it's worth while. 
For I meet a smiling wife. 



62 My Valued Ruby 



MOTHER'S DAY 

I received a flower 
On the twelfth of May, 
It was a token 
Of Mother's day. 

With petals snow-white 
And fragrance so sweet. 
Thou art my hope 
That in heaven we'll meet. 

My mind wandered back 
In a childish way 
My soul then reposed! 
But seemed to say: 

Oh ! the spirit spoke 

As I did pray, 

In the heart of this flower 

Shineth Mother's day. 



THE BIRDS THAT SING TO ME 

All nature is happy this morning. 
Oh ! how they welcome the beautiful sun. 
And those silver-throated fellows 
Gives music until the day is done. 

They bring to my heart so sweetly 
A feeling I can hardly explain, 
That travels on the breezes so tender. 
With such a soothing refrain. 



My Valued Ruby 63 



DREAM OF BYGONES 

The peonies are in bloom. 
Their perfume I adore. 
Naught keeps me from dreaming 
Of you for evermore. 

The night is bright, 
The dewdrops fall. 
The night birds sing 
"With a distant call. 

My heart then beats 
In throbbing pain, 
Mj' eyes in tears. 
My soul is strained. 

Come tell me, dear. 
If thy love's dead. 
Come raise me then 
From sorrow's bed. 



WHENE'ER CONSCIENCE SPEAKS 

Have you given this a thought. 
If you haven't you really ought. 
This is what we all should know 
And we do wrong when we don't go 
Whene'er conscience speaks. 

Every man, woman, or child 

When nearing trouble or something vile. 

Should gently turn 

And never yearn 

Whene'er conscience speaks. 



64 My Valued Ruby 



THE PLUCK OF A POET 

For my little humble talent 
I tm-n thanks to our God. 
Though each time I try to show it 
I meet with the world of odds. 

Though He blessed me with my gift. 
And He will bless me along the way, 
He is giving me love and wisdom 
And He will bring a brighter day. 

These are words of a poor poet. 
And what I write is true, 
I long to go before the world 
To try and show what I can do. 

If one could only see me now. 

My lips are numb, shows sorrow deep. 

This is after my daily labor 

That these thoughts through my mind does creep. 

God gives me strength to work. 
To earn my daily bread. 
Then revives me for my writing 
To show that my blood is red. 



Why swell up o'er talent 

Or activeness of brain? 

God giveth and he taketh 

As easy as it twinkles down rain. 



My Valued Ruby 65 



LIFE PLAIN AS DAY 

Life lays out its happiness and sorrows. 

You're to choose either for to-day or to-morrow. 

We can be happy our whole life through 

In regarding our company and the things we do. 

Let the other fellow think what he will or may, 

I'll choose happiness, it really pays. 

Life holds a beauty that shineth like gold, 

Seek it while you're young, don't wait to get old. 

Day by day it comes to us all. 

So fly not so high, remember your fall. 

One moment we're up and the next we're down. 

Try lo take the ladder without a frown. 

For our lives are planned out with time and space 

And we are truly guided by an unseen face. 

The blossoms of life has petals so dear; 

Then deal with them gently and handle with care. 

There's like the rose in the garden that blooms. 

That gives to the breeze their wafted perfume. 

But the way the frost makes its petals fly 

This teaches us that we all must die. 



ONE SAD MORN 

In a lonely little village 
Was the tolling of a bell. 
Deep in our hearts 
A sad story it tells. 

Deceased our dear, old general 
Who fought with heart so brave. 
In honor of our land and country, 
And stars and stripes to save. 



66 My Valued Ruby 



MY VIEW 

A poor shabby boy; 
But an ambitious poet, 
And in most appealing way 
He'd love for the world to know it. 

For now he sits and dreams 
Of which he can't depart. 
And deep in his soul lies 
That beautiful hidden art. 

God gives him the power 

And a clean mind to compose. 

He gathers beauties from an unseen garden. 

Where he dwells when his soul is reposed. 

He has a high standard in thought 
As the richest man of the day. 
And wears a smile, though destitute 
For this is just his way. 



THE FADING ROSES 

Here lies the roses that's fading away. 

With their memories of a brighter day; 

Just like the heat, are withering them dear, 

The loss of your love brings sorrow and care. 

These roses go back to nature's review. 

They'll regain their lives and bloom anew. 

But if my poor heart could be repaired 

With kindness of nature which roses are shared 

'Twould remove all sorrow and enter sweet refrain 

Then my heart would bud and bloom again. 



My Valued Ruby 67 



FOR A WHILE 

Could there ever be a day 
That sorrow will cease and blow away, 
May it travel to parts to me unknown. 
That my heart have back a feeling of its own 

For a while. 

My heart has never quit its pining, 
Each thought brings a silver lining. 
And if you were near 
'Twould ease my care 

For a while. 

No one knows why I sigh, 

It's love in my heart that cannot die. 

Though now I regret 

But cannot forget 

For a while. 

Now it seems like wasted years 
To intermix with my bitter tears. 
Though I've prayed to our God above 
That He may return my only love. 

For a while. 

The beautiful stars in their glory 
Has ceased to tell love's sweet story, 
They hide from me behind the clouds; 
Will some one love me if my head is bowed? 

For a while. 



There's nothing more beautiful than a smile 
If it's really meant from the heart. 



68 My Valued Ruby 



HEARTS THAT ARE TRUE 

Love when young and tender 
Should pick its place to go; 
Beware of hearts that deceive 
For there, 'twill cease to grow. 

Then hearts that are true 
Beat just as one. 
With a soulful tender feeling. 
Till love's bright day is done. 

Hearts that are true. 

And when they cross the river of Jordan 

To answer to their rights and wrongs, 

That sweet word love will be in golden letters 

And will be sung in a beautiful song. 



MY LOVE FOR YOU 

How can I forget 

What I have to regret 

When there in my dreams 

It just flows in streams 

And tells a story so true. 

That's making me feel blue. 

Why it's my love, my love for you. 

Your eyes, with beauty so rare. 

No diamond could shine as fair. 

But I'll watch and pray 

For that sweet day in May. 

So return your love anew. 

You have mine and it is all for you. 



My Valued Ruby 69 



MY LOVE 

My work for my race 

"Will always be 

Tireless toil 

To make them proud of me. 

Now if we all work 

To this one point. 

Strong will be our union. 

No nation could break the joint. 

Just think ! of all of us trying 
To make one another proud. 
Why the little stars in their glory 
Would almost speak aloud. 

Then they'd shine brighter and brighter, 
And with love, they'd light the way. 
For the race that is loving to each other 
There is sure to come a better day. 



EVE DROPPER 

The rose that bloomed 
On veranda side. 
Heard love's sweet story 
When first untied. 

These hearts traveled 
Through the distant years. 
To join each other 
In their sighs and tears. 



70 My Valued Ruby 



MY DEAR BELOVED MOTHER 

Beside me walks an unseen face 

That guides me daily from place to place, 

And has love for me, like that of no other. 

This guide, tender guide, is my dear beloved mother. 

She goes with me through rain or shine. 

Like the fortunate leads the unfortunate blind. 

And when I am lonely for a sister or brother, 

There's the cheering thoughts of my dear beloved mother. 

Of course she's in the spirit land. 

But she walks with me daily hand in hand, 

And when I'm asleep she's o'er my bed. 

That sin may go no farther. 

Now this teaches us of that mighty love 

We have in a dear beloved mother. 



HIS LAST HOUR 

Oh ! mighty Savior, 

Cometh my last day. 

And the sound of the golden trumpet 

My sins bloweth away. 

Glory to thy name 
As I breathe my last breath, 
Repenteth all whom love him now. 
Not at the door of death. 

Each and every moment 

His name to me is all 

Those whom are standing by my dying bed. 

Remember the trumpet's last call. 



My Valued Rudy 71 



IF I DARE 

I'll sing a little song 
Of you dear one, 
'Twill be long as the day 
And bright like the sun 
If I dare. 

I'll gather from the garden 
This big red rose 
To kiss your cheeks 
While sweet breezes blow 
If I dare. 

Your face is ne'er out of my dreams 
Deep in my heart sweet memories bring, 
Oh ! I will love you, dear, you only. 
Till death with bitterness bring 
If I dare. 

My mind is with you 
Though my eyes are in tears. 
My heart is being pierced 
"With Cupid's golden spear, 
But yet I'd return 

If I dare. 



Oh! how sad with you 
Were my past. 
The present was sweet 
So long as it lasts. 



72 My Valued Ruby 



JUST NOW 

No one knows, and no one sees, 
No one gives my heart any ease. 

Just now. 

If I could speak to the one I love 

My heart would lose that feeling that makes me mourn 
like a dove, 

Just now. 

Once you shadowed me in my dreams. 
But that, too, is gone it really seems. 

Just now. 

The years are bringing my sorrow fast 
And my wakeful nights won't come to their last, ^ 

Just now. 



THE VOICE OF A ROSE 

The rose that spoke 
To her dying soul 
Is the rose ne'er let 
Our love grow cold. 

With each breath 
She'd sigh and say, 
This rose tells me 
There's a brighter day. 

And when that rose 
Begins to die. 
She'd kiss its petals. 
Then tenderly cry. 



My Valued Ruby 73 



A PHOTO 

If I only had a photo 

Of my happy days 

To hang on this wall of misery. 

That's weakening my better ways. 

Oh! come, oh! gentle vision, 
Of long, long ago, 
And make that happy picture 
That I once use to know. 

Paint those beautiful eyes. 

That did always shine 

And liven my trembling lips 

That they taught to speak words unkind. 

Why my lips us to part 
With a loving, tender smile. 
But those days are stolen 
That meant me life worth while. 



GOOD FATE 

On a dark and stormy night 

Far ahead shined a little light, 

It was a warning 

With sorrow dawning. 

For the train that approached. 

Fastly into sight 

Towards the bridge that held ill fate 

The flagman awakened but a moment to late. 

For there flowed through a madly stream 

Lifting the bridge clear off its beam. 

All in a moment the engine ran out of steam 

And spying there ahead no light could be seen. 

Speaking to the fireman the engineer said. 

It's a heavenly blessing our engine ran dead. 



74 My Valued Ruby 



SPRINGTIME 

The birds are singing 
While nature is bringing. 
All of its beauty to show. 
The little wild flowers 
With sunshine and showers 
Are the things that we love so. 

They gladden our hearts 
And strengthen our souls. 
Making life seem young 
To those growing old. 

There's the beautiful budding 
Of the dogwood trees, 
It's a shaking and waking 
For the little honey bees. 

To let them know 

That nature brought back 

With a whole summer's sweetness 

In her blossoms its packed. 



MY HEAVENLY THOUGHTS 

Oh! heavenly Father, 

To our souls give mirth. 

Let dwell with us no evil spirit 

While on this sinful earth. 

Strengthen our weak and humble minds. 

Through our hearts let righteousness flow. 

Keep us away from worldly things. 

For when Thou call we're sure to go. 



My Valued Ruby 75 



A POET'S PIER 

A humble but ambitious poet 
That writes on the beauties of life. 
Is brilliantly guided onwards 
By the love of his dear sweet wife. 

In each and every thought 

She is truly his golden pier. 

She leads him on to untold success 

Where he enjoys a brighter career. 

Into a garden of roses 
Where soft breezes blow. 
There she's always near him 
To let his sweeter thoughts flow. 

To her he gathers and gives 

A beautiful big pink rose, 

To show that his love's still burning, 

And for her it could ne'er repose. 

And when he awakens out of his dreams 

There is music to her ears. 

For all the poems that he writes 

He reads to his wifey dear. 



WELCOME SPRING 

On comes spring 
With its loving breeze 
Soon there's the budding 
Of the flowers and trees. 

How my heart swells 
When they begin to peep. 
For I know they're back 
From their long winter's sleep. 



76 My Valued Ruby 



MY RUBY MONTROSE 

As I sit and dream 
On the water side, 
My mind is traveling 
Like the higli rolling tide. 
No matter how fast 
Or where it goes 
With it my thoughts 
Of my Ruby Montrose. 

No matter how dark 
And stormy the night, 
My mind still wanders 
By my strong lovelight 
Holding a secret 
That nobody knows. 
And guided by the thought 
Of my Ruby Montrose. 

Now I've gained her love renown. 

The world will smile and cease to frown. 

The summer breeze that always blows 

Will refreshen the love of my Ruby Montrose. 

I ne'er grow tired of the words I write. 

They are my soul and my heart's delight. 

They hold more sweetness than any flower that grows, 

For in them's the thought of my Ruby Montrose. 



BEAUTY AND UGLY 

When beauty fades away 

Ugly approaches soon. 

But when ugly fades away 

Our place is lost beneath the moon. 



My Valued Ruby 77 



THE BLESSING OF GOD 

Close not thy door 

To the blessing of God, 

Just e'er be humble 

And spare the rod. 

And when you see a friend 

Downhearted and cold 

Longing for the warmth 

Of a spirited soul, 

Just open the heart. 

Though it may seem odd. 

But to you will come the blessings 

Of our own God. 

No link or links tighter ties 

Than those that are blending to the human lives. 

Quote this to memory to have and to hold, 

And liven up the spirit when you're grown old, 

And when on earth you're done 

Then you can rest beneath the sod, 

For your door was always open 

To the blessings of God. 



SIXTY-ONE 

Down on the southern plantation. 

From sixty-one on back 

Our forefathers were shackled in slavery, 

And lived in huts and shacks. 

But this shows they're loyal 

Hum, a negro as you glance. 

But their grandsons are answering the roll call 

Somewhere in France. 



78 My Valued Ruby 



A VISION FROM THE FIRESIDE 

Before the fire at night 

When all was quite still, 

I had nature's sweetest dream, 

And its beautiful old green hills. 

Oh! that lovely photo. 
That appeared in the little blue blaze 
Showed summer with all its beauty 
And how the cattle used to graze. 

Then came a sigh. 
Though followed by a smile, 
For the summer's balmy breeze 
Made me feel like a child. 

But dashed against the window 
The chilly howling winds 
That takes my vision in a snowdrift 
And how my heart does pine. 



THORNY LOVE 

There's a vision of your well known face, 

Shining like my love that's gone to waste. 

I see your smiles as natural now. 

And the way I loved you, for you taught me how. 

Now I'm in a path that usually leads 

Down to degradation. 

My poor heart bleeds 

When I think of our separation. 



My Valued Ruby 79 



THE BATTLE OF HEARTS 



Our hearts have met 
On the battlefield of love, 
Cupid is our general 
In his aeroplane above. 

But my poor heart's 
Crying for peace, 
My love for you 
Could ne'er decease. 

And if fate guides the battle 
So our hearts doesn't blend, 
Just picture how sad 
Will be the end. 



TO REMIND YOU 

Just a tender missive dear 
As the days are drifting by. 
And oh! I see your smiling face 
When e'er I look into the sky. 



JUST TO REMIND YOU 

Smiles always gladden my heart 

As the years come and go; 

And should I be the longest liver 

They'll ne'er be buried beneath the snow. 



One day of sorrow 
To a brilliant and happy mind 
Tears down its concrete thoughts 
To sail the ocean of brine. 



80 My Valued Ruby 



THE SINKING SHIP 

The winds howled o'er 

The dashing sea, 

The ship was foundered 

At half past three. 

The captain yelled. 

Life boats lowered! 

There was a noise 

Like a cannon roar, 

'Twas the boilers burst below. 

Then said the captain 

Brave but slow. 

It's to late, boys. 

We all must go. 



SPRING'S EASTER LILY 

(To my wife Ruby) 

By the walk way grew 
Spring's Easter lily 
Wet with the morning dew. 
But with love I gave to Billy. 

Now there is your petals nice and yellow 
And rich as the dripping of gold. 
So why are you lonely, little fellow. 
You've won me, heart and soul. 

Would you love to be a little present 
And one that isn't silly 
To the sweetest little pheasant 
My dearest, darling Billy. 



My Valued Ruby $1 



MY SHIP OF THOUGHTS 

Anchored deep in mid ocean 
Are my ship of thoughts, 
I should sail out and get them. 
That's just what I ought. 

For once they run smooth 
With calmness of the sea. 
Bringing all of love's beauty 
Back home to me. 

In a mad rushing storm. 
But she would stand as brave. 
When each flash of lightning 
Showed the depth of her grave. 

There's no lighthouse 
To guide her in, 
Nor to raise her anchor 
From the wages of sin. 



THE SOUL OF A BUD 

A darling little maiden 

So sweet, so fair. 

With tiny dimples 

And beauty so rare. 

But I wonder if goodness knows 

K she e'er could repose. 

From the sweet loving manner 

She gave me this rose. 

Now this tiny little bud 

Seems to whisper in my ear. 

Saying hearts of hearts with tenderness 

To one another are dear. 



82 My Valued Ruby 



ONE'S NEXT BEST FRIEND 

I was lost in the valley 

All veiled with fog, 

Back o'er the hill 

Was a howl of a dog. 

He was doing his bit 

In trying to keep peace, 

For his dear old master 

Had just deceased. 

In that old cabin 

Was a dear little child; 

The wolves rushed around 

Madly and wild. 

On came the morn. 

But I'd grown pale. 

The sun came up and 

Removed the veil. 

Then I jogged along 
O'er the bumpy ground, 
I stopped at this cabin 
And there I found 
A wonderful baby ! 
With eyes so bright 
'Twould light the way 
Through the darkest night. 
From under the bed 
Came a grunt of a hog, 
I knelt and found 
'Twas that little dog. 



CREATION 

We are all created by our Father above 
And one's no better than the other 
When we keepeth His command. 



My Valued Ruby 83 



HUMIN TU DE AIR 

Raifield, yo aks like a ole time barh 

Round heah a studen al in despah; 

No Ise humin tu de air. 

Stah clean awafum dat pot uv mine, 

Caus when dah's wok yo's hard tu find. 

Well, sur; ef he ain't eten my pie I du declah, 

I ges yo call dat a humin tu de air. 

Yes, I members de uder dah 

When Lindy Jones wus don dis wah 

An yo all had a powful lot tu say, 

Caus I no's she am purty an mity fair. 

But yo'll lose yo home ef dats humin tu de air. 

Now I want yo tu tucker an lef me go. 

An don't yo nebber cros my doah. 

Yawll goner make one hungry pair 

Caus yo can't make a libben humin tu de air. 



IN MY THOUGHTS OF YOU 

Now I sit and look in space 

My brightest hopes has gone to waste. 

The rose of my dreams 

Won't bloom it seems 

While my mind's anchored deep 

In my thoughts of you. 

No one knows how my heart does ache. 
No one sees my nights of wake. 
The moon is hidden behind the clouds. 
The stars peep through an all dark shroud 
In my thoughts of you. 



84 My Valued Ruby 



MY DEAREST DARLING RUBY 

Fate had lost my treasure 

In the valley of dehuby. 

Time led on and there I found 

My dearest, darling Ruby. 

All my days I hunted in vain 

Through ice, sleet, snow and rain. 

And on the darkest day, 

This was my pay. 

My dearest, darling Ruby. 

Only death can part us dear, 

If away a moment it seems like a year. 

Life for me would ne'er be bright. 

The stars would fail to shine at night 

Without my dearest, darling, Ruby. 



HERE AND THERE 

Here's the rose, that bloomed in the spring, 
There's its petals flying. 
Here's my heart, that wants your love, 
There like that flower, it is dying. 

Here's to a day, and its sunshine. 
There to east is a cloud. 
There in a moment, it could hide the sun. 
Here all nature's heads, will be bowed. 

Here's my thoughts of yesterday. 
There's my thoughts of tomorrow. 
Here the ladder shows a brightness, 
There goes sorrow. 



Look on both 

The bright and dark side of life 

And there your faults may be found. 



My Valued Ruby 85 



ONE SWEET DREAM 

In looking way ahead 
Into the distant time 
So beautiful is my thoughts 
If I can make them rhyme. 

Long beside the road 
Is a bungalow for two. 
In my wonderful vision 
'Twas built for me and you. 

My heart was the hammer, 
My soul clinched the nails, 
'Twas finished with my love 
To withstand the on coming gale. 



DARLING EDNA MAY 

(To Mr. and Mrs. Poindexter) 

How sad was this Christmas, 
Though for some 'twas a happy day. 
Rut mourns a mother and father 
For their darling Edna May. 

Rut she's gone on into glory 

To soar the golden way. 

She knows no sorrow like mother and father 

For their darling Edna May. 

Though on and on through the distant years. 
When mother and father are old and gray, 
Christmas brings saddest memories 
Of their darling Edna May. 



86 My Valued Ruby 



LIFE'S PRETTY WAY 

Oh! how nice 

When the sun is shining bright. 

To take a long walk 

While breezes blow light. 

It revives your soul. 
Your heart is gay 
Strolling the road 
Of life's pretty way. 

You'll walk on the grass 
So beautiful and green. 
And gone art your memories 
Of the past winter's scene. 

You'll enjoy all the love 
In this bright summer's day, 
Wandering the road 
Of life's pretty way. 



RAS BAYLEM'S SPEECH 

Ladies an gentlems, fello citisans, it behooves me wid de 

mostest ux tudigrad 
To stood be fo sich coteligent audance, dat it makes me 

base my talk, down 
Around John's tato-pach about de third or de fouf hill, 

am, am, am. 
We am interin de war at de mos critical time. 
And I want all yo colored citisans tu fall rite in line, 
Don't bother den slackers cause 3^0 nearin' dangers do, 
Dis am de only country dat any uv us know. 
Stah wall dem Germans cause dah puts foolness in yo 

head, 
Gis reach up an kiss O Glorie an wish de Kaiser am dead. 



My Valued Ruby 87 



MY DREAM 

I thought I'd forgotten you, dearie. 
But you returned in my golden dream. 
The distant years faded you in person. 
But again you're fresh in memory it seems. 

Just like the rose wants morning dew, 

That's how my dream makes me want you. 

Cruel fate and time has drifted us apart, 

I smile on the world, but no one knows my heart 

Oh ! let me dream both night and day. 
That I may dream my sorrows away 
Into a land of passing breeze 
To give my heart one moment's ease. 



A SAILOR'S FATE 

Lowered deep was the anchor 

As the waves rolled high. 

With thought of loved ones 

Between each sigh. 

This was their minds 

As they gazed into the sky. 

Making peace with their Savior, 

For they knew they had to die. 

Have mercy on us. Lord, as we pray to Thee 

Save us as we're descending down. 

Let us go not, without the holy ground. 



Glad hearts often 
Through broken hearts ring, 
To teach the voice 
A little song to sing. 



88 My Valued Ruby 



AT EVE 

From behind the clouds 
Peeps the golden sun. 
To kiss the rose, 
Because the day is done. 



SHE SAID. THEN HE SAID THE REST 

Oh! my lovely walk, 
Down love's shady way, 
The birds soft, sweet singing 
Adds beauty to the day. 



TRUE 

Have you ever stopped to think, my friend. 

Of your simple life from beginning to end. 

It pays us now to pull with strife 

For youth comes but once in life. 

There's two paths up and down the hill 

To seek one or the other is your own free will. 



CUPID 

The moment I saw 
Your dear sweet face, 
Cupid with its arrow 
Took its place. 



Be not discouraged over life's hard struggle. 

Have brighter thoughts and discouragement shrugs. 



My Valued Ruby 89 



MY THOUGHTS OF IT 

Love is a link, a connector of hearts. 
Allow no one to tear it apart. 
It's a food for heart, soul and mind. 
True love is ever blind. 

THE THOUGHT OF A CHILD 

Train your children manners and behavior 
While around the cradle they creep. 
Then good tidings will ever follow them 
After you sleep in the deep. 

A GENIUS 

On yonder hill sits a genius 

In heaven's guiding hand. 

That pours his thoughts just as he writes 

His power is God not man. 

FOR MY HEART 

When the heart is crippled 
And the soul cannot be raised. 
Just think of dear old mother 
That's the spark that lights the blaze. 

ROUND RY ROUND 

Just a word of consolation 
While I dream night and day. 
Will help me climb the ladder of fame 
Though the top is far away. 

A THOUGHT WE SHOULD HAVE 

My heart at times loses a beat. 
Rut the trouble will ne'er be known. 
For I have that much mother wit 
Each tub has a bottom of its own. 



90 My Valued Ruby 



It's easy to be good in life, 
But hard to be faultless. 



Good thoughts on the mind 
Should lie deep in the heart. 



So bountifully in, flows the word keep peace. 
Dare not e'er to intrude. 



A man who smiles through the deepest of sorrow 
To his own heart adds a value untold. 









V '' , .' i^i''.':,''^; 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



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